Be as specific as you can, it will help us find the information quickly for you. Include either a postal or email address so we can provide you with a response.

All requests will be dealt with under the terms of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LOGIMA).

How long will it take to process my request?

We'll acknowledge your request and you'll receive the information within 20 working days. You can use the calculator on the Office of the Ombudsman website to calculate when the 20 working days expire.

However, if your request is complex, involves a large amount of research and collation, or requires us to consult with other parties and we cannot provide you with the information within 20 days, we may extend the time limit. We'll let you know if we need to do this.

If your request is more urgent, you'll need to give reasons and explain the urgency.

Withholding Information

We may withhold information for specific reasons. If we do, we will explain the reason why.

The specific reasons enabling Council to withhold information are set out in sections 6 and 7 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.

Information may be withheld if it would:• Prejudice the maintenance of the law, including the prevention, investigation, and detection of offences, and the right to a fair trial.• Endanger the safety of any person.• Compromise the privacy of any person.• Reveal confidential or commercially sensitive information.• Cause offence to tikanga Māori or would disclose the location of waahi tapu.• Prejudice public health or safety.• Compromise legal professional privilege.• Disadvantage the local authority while carrying out negotiations or commercial activities.• Allow information to be used for improper gain or advantage.

What will it cost?

Generally there will be no charge for a request. However, if your request is for a significant amount of information, or requires substantial collation and research, we are entitled to charge based on guidelines from the Ministry of Justice. Under these guidelines you are entitled to:

• the first hour of time free • 20 pages of free photocopying • we can recover any other actual costs such as reproducing a photograph • time in excess of an hour is charged at $38 per half hour • additional copying is charged at the photocopies/printing rate in our Fees & Charges

If we are going to charge you, we will advise you of the cost before we begin working on your request. You can then decide if you wish to continue, withdraw or refine your request. We may ask that you pay some of the cost in advance.

Review of decisions

If you're unhappy with a decision to withhold information, to charge a fee, to extend the time frame on a request or have concerns about how we have dealt with your request, you are able to have the decision reviewed by the Office of the Ombudsman.